Cost Benefit Analysis of on-Board Desalinated Ballast Water from Oil and Natural Gas Trade as a Source of Water Supply for Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Abstract-This study investigates the cost and benefits associated with supplying Abu Dhabi with desalinated ballast water brought in with oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels under different domestic water demand scenarios. Traditionally, the ballast water is discharged directly into the sea which has severely negative impact on the marine environment. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is in the process of setting up a regulation requiring ballast water to be treated before it is discharged. To meet the requirement, desalinating the ballast water and supplying it to the local residents is one of the efficient ways. We analyze water trade of ballast water desalinated with waste heat generated from the propulsion of Oil Tanker and LNG vessels under different domestic water demand scenarios. Results show that in addition to the marine environmental benefit, ballast water trading will generate a cost saving in the range of $771.5 million to $602.0 million between 2012 and 2030 depending on the realized domestic demand for water in Abu Dhabi.Index Terms-Ballast water management, desalination, oil and gas trade.